BLACKNESS take no more. You’ve never been in this place in your life before. You threw your hands in the air. You really want to give up now. Your family gone, money too and you don’t know what to do.” How many of us haven’t felt at least parts of that? It goes on to say this: “Spread your wings and fly. You have to know that you will fly again. Everything’s gonna be alright… There’s gonna be a brighter day. Celebrate a new day. Go ahead and smile, it’s ok. Stay encouraged. You don’t have to cry no more...” It’s messages like that which generations have heard from Sounds of Blackness and realized what was possible for them. Another single from The Sounds of Blackness project that is being played on their shall, TX with special guests ACWC (Acapella Chorus of website www.soundsofblackness.com is Wiely College). Using social media and the support of their called RISE. fans coupled with the crowd-funding site Indigigo they are hoping to secure the funds to release the project in a power“Rise above the hatred and lies,” the song ful way. says. “You can do much better if you choose to give yourself a second chance. It’s time for you to rise. God gave you all the things you’re going to need. Start believing that it’s a brand new day. Get on your feet. It’s gonna be a better day.” Once again you hear the message of not allowing the cares of the world to get you down. “It’s your time to lead,” the single continues. “You have everything you need… Get up and do your thing. Nothing can stop you. You must believe that you can do it too. Get on your feet. It’s your time to rise. “ While you are on the main page of the Sounds of Blackness website you will also discover details about their current project: a live CD that is slated for release this Fall. Hines told me that the process all began last year when they were blessed to have their first live recording at Wiley College in Mar-
Hines says that the project SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS LIVE features “16 show-stopping, roof-raising live tracks of Soul, Spirituals, Gospel, Inspirational R&B, Hip-Hop and Worldbeat plus bonus studio tracks!” All in all it will continue the messages of Faith, Hope, Love, Inspiration and Education that have been a hallmark of the group from the very beginning. As we were wrapping up our conversation I asked Hines what he would share with others about what it takes to be successful in pursuing your goals and dreams. He said it was a combination of the 4 Ps: Prayer, preparation, perseverance and perspiration. If you are willing to do all four you are destined for greatness. Stay connected with everything going on with the group and updates on new projects and performances at www. soundsofblackness.com.